Allowing Pak copters in no-fly zone no defence risk: Patil

The Centre Sunday ruled out the possibility of any compromise with the country's defence due to its decision to allow Pakistan to fly its helicopters in the 'peace time no-fly zone' along the Line of Control.

"It should be seen as a humanitarian gesture. Whether it is Pakistan, India, Russia or America, all countries should help each other during these crises," Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil told reporters after the National Security Guards' 21st Raising Day celebrations in Manesar.

He said there was no reason to believe that India's permission to Pakistani helicopters to fly in the no-fly zone along the LoC could become a defence risk.

"What is there in it to be so scared of," Patil said.

India Saturday said it was ready to allow Pakistan to fly helicopters in the 'peace time no-fly zone' along the LoC to help it in quake relief operations as per Islamabad's request, but on a case-to-case basis.